What is the DX-398?

The Sangean ATS-909, and the Radio Shack DX-398, is a portable
shortwave radio about the size of a large trade paperback. It
tunes from 150 kHz to 29,999 kHz and from 88 to 108 MHz in four
bands. It can receive single-sideband in true LSB/USB, rather
than the simple BFO of most portables of its class, though it
doesn't offer synchronous detection. Unlike the Sony 2010,
though, the Sangean can tune in 40 Hz steps, though it does
not display frequencies at that resolution.

It's got a nice, large, backlit LCD display and a large
alphanumeric memory, capable of storing up to 308 stations. The
radio comes preprogrammed with over 250 frequencies of
international broadcasters. As with the Sony SW-77, alphanumeric
tags can be used to designate frequencies. The radio has RDS
(Radio Data System) on FM, which will display the call letters of
a station or set the clock.

The radio also has a clock with two settable time zones, a
sleep mode, a tape out and remote jack, an external antenna jack
and an RF gain control.

The Radio Shack DX-398 is identical to the Sangean ATS-909,
except for the nameplate. The Sangean comes with accessories that
aren't included in the Radio Shack version, namely an AC adapter
and a reel antenna. Both radios come with a vinyl case.

The ATS-909 can be found from Grove or C. Crane, among other places.
It costs around $260-$280, and this includes a vinyl case, AC
adapter and reel antenna.

The DX-398 has been discontinued by Radio Shack, but you may
be able to find one on closeout for $150. The catalog number is
#20-228, this includes the radio and its case; the AC adapter and
reel antenna are not included.

Radio Shack's recommended AC adapter is Cat. #273-1662,
$12.99. You can get a reel antenna (Cat. #278-1374) for $8.99.
The reel antenna is nice to have (I own one) but not
essential.